Bernice Merrill

Bernice Merrill, 86, of Grand Forks, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2008, at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks. Bernice Blanche Merrill was born August 17, 1921, to Albert and Margaret (Villenevue) Lemay in Westhope, ND, where she grew up and attended school. Bernice married Clarence Merrill on October 27, 1934, in Grand Forks. They farmed near Northwood, ND, for 54 years before retiring, and later moved to Grand Forks in 1991. They spent 8 winters in Yuma, AZ, Clarence died October 22, 1998, after 64 years of marriage. Bernice's 2nd birth of receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior was in 1954. She was an excellent cook, loved to have company and entertaining people, and loved spending time with her family. Bernice is survived by sons; James (Linda) Merrill of Lakeside, CA, Ray (Teri) Merrill of Lewisville, TX; daughters, Margaret (Myron) Maurseth of Oceanside, CA, Ruth (Bob) Ray of Grand Forks; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; sons, Joe and Larry, and a grandson Ryan. FUNERAL SERVICES: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the First Church of God 2856 N. Washington St. in Grand Forks. VISITATION: Friday, February 29, 2008, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. in Grand Forks, and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church INTERMENT: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.